Knee brace having adjustable width frame pivoted to cuffs

ABSTRACT

A hinge (21) for use in an orthopaedic knee brace, said hinge comprising:     a generally flat base plate member (85); a generally flat second plate member (86) having a camming edge (111); first (87) and second (89) hinge members pivotally mounted upon the second plate member (86); a guide block (91) affixed to said base plate (85) and having at least one guide slot (109) formed therein, said guide slot having first and second end stops (107,109) formed therein; at least one generally elongate stopping lever (103);    and whereby said hinge is rotatable in a first direction to a point where the second end of said stopping lever abuts against the first end of said guide slot and is alternatively rotatable in a second direction to a point where the second end of said stopping lever abuts against the second end of said guide slot. &lt;IMAGE&gt;

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to braces for supporting bone joints, and,more particularly, to a knee brace adjustable to compensate forimbalances between medial and lateral support of the knee as well ascurvatures at the level of the knee.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The knee joint is generally considered the largest and most complicatedjoint in the body. Though frequently considered a hinge joint the kneeis actually two joints, lateral and medial, between femur and tibia, andone arthrodial joint between the patella and the femur. The chiefmovements of the knee are flexion and extension.

The flexion and extension movements of the knee joint are not simplypivotal movements about a fixed axis. During flexion, the axis aroundwhich movement takes place shifts backward, and during extension itshifts forward. This is different from a more typical hinge joint, suchas an elbow, where the axis of rotation does not shift. As fullextension is reached the femur is rotated inward and the joint is, ineffect, disposed in a locked position with the ligaments taut. Thisgives the joint greater stability in the extended position. As flexionis initiated, the femur initially lowers or moves downwardly with asmall external rotation of the femur which unlocks the joint andsubsequently the femur rotates or rolls about the joint to full flexion.Accordingly, the initial unlocking of the knee joint during flexionprecedes actual full rotation of the knee.

A simple hinge brace generally fails to provide proper support to limitpermissible rotation during the unlocking motion. For a brace to morefully support the knee joint and facilitate rehabilitation of an injuredjoint the brace should more closely analogize the movement of the kneethan a simple hinge does. Ideally, a brace will simulate the movement ofthe knee joint to provide greater support and stability through therange of flexion and extension of the knee joint.

Contemporary braces generally fail to provide such precise simulation ofthe knee joint as described in connection with the present invention.Consequently, those devices generally provide inadequate support andpossibly permit reinjury of the knee joint, even when the brace is worn.Most contemporary braces are further deficient in that the verticalplane of the brace is fixed at the time the brace is manufactured andmay be unsuitable for individuals having different curvatures at thelevel at the knee. Such curvatures are commonly attributable to animbalance between the medial and lateral support of the knee. Lack ofadequate lateral support of the knee may produce a bowlegged condition,i.e. outward curvature at the level of the knee. A lack of medialsupport of the knee may produce a knock-kneed condition, characterizedby an inward curvature at the level of the knee. A brace designed forindividuals having normal curvature of the leg at the level the knee maytherefore be uncomfortable or entirely unsuitable for bowlegged orknock-kneed persons. In recognizing this deficiency, most state of theart knee braces are manufactured on a prescription, one of a kind basis,to properly accomodate the differing physical parameters of the user. Aswill be recognized, such unique, one of a kind fabrication significantlyincreases overall cost of the knee brace as well as increases deliverytime of brace to the user. Consequently, there exists a need for a bracethat may be manufactured to accomodate all patients and be subsequentlyadjusted at the time of initial placement upon the user to support theknee joints of users having various degrees of leg curvature at thelevel of the knee.

In addition to the adjustability and operational deficiencies generallyassociated in the prior art, most prior art knee braces additionally donot permit the effective use of the knee brace in both post surgical aswell as rehabilitation applications. As will be recognized, in postsurgical applications, i.e. that period of time of approximately two tosix weeks following reconstructive knee surgery, there is a substantialneed to provide extremely firm support for the knee joint and limithyperextension and hyperflexion of the knee. Subsequently, duringrehabilitation periods it is desirable to gradually reduce the supportapplied to the knee by the brace to facilitate strengthening of the kneemuscles and additionally allow greater extension and flexion of the kneejoint. Unfortunately, the current state of the art of knee braces hasnot adequately addressed the application of knee braces to both postsurgical and/or rehabilitation applications and hence, there exists asubstantial need in the art for an improved knee brace which isspecifically designed and adapted to accomodate the differingconsiderations encountered in post surgical and rehabilitationapplications.

As described below the present invention is directed to an improvedbrace which more closely simulates the movements of the joint to provideenhanced support of the joint. The invention is further directed to abrace that is adjustable to accommodate curvatures of the joint membersat the level of the joint. These and other objects and advantages of theinvention will be described below in connection with the appendeddrawings illustrating the presently preferred embodiments of theinvention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A brace for supporting a joint formed of a plurality of joint members isdisclosed. The brace includes first and second frame members disposed onopposite sides of the joint to be supported, and first and second hingemembers disposed substantially adjacent the joint and connected to theframe members to pivot the frame members about the joint. The framemembers may be formed of separable portions engageable with each otherat variable locations along the length thereof. Adjustment of theengagement location being effective to vary the orientation of at leastone of the frame member portions with respect to at least one of thehinges. he brace is therefore readily adjustable to conform to lateralcurvature of the joint members. The hinge members may be formed toregulate rotation of at least one of the frame members about the jointto provide close support to the joint members during unlocking of thejoint. Such close support is provided by separately pivoting the framemembers about the hinge member such that the relative rotationalmovement of the frame members varies in accordance with the relativemovement of the joint members supported by the brace.

In the presently preferred embodiment the frame members are formed asfirst and second generally J-shaped members having vertical portionsconnectable to the hinges and horizontal portions engageable with eachother at variable locations along the length thereof. The horizontalportions are secured in place with respect to each other by a turretrotatably mounted to a support cuff. Support cuffs having differentwidths may be utilized consistent with the stage of rehabilitation ofthe user, thereby allowing the brace to be effectively utilized in bothpost surgical and rehabilitation applications. Varying the engagementlocation between J-shaped portions of the frame members permits theframe members to be manufactured in standaridized configurations andsubsequently be adjusted upon initial fitting to a user to conform tothe various lateral curvatures of the joint, such as conditions commonlyreferred to as bowleggedness and knock-knees.

The hinge members are preferably formed such that the frame membersrotate about separate pivot locations, and are pivotally connected toeach other, such that one of the frame members has little rotation asthe first frame member is moved from the extension position. However, asthe first frame member continues to move the relative rotation of thesecond frame member increases to approximately that of the first framemember. Such limitation in the initial rotational movement of the secondframe member permits the brace to closely support the joint membersduring unlocking of the joint. The hinge members are further providedwith a lever arm which translates in response to rotation of the framemembers. The translation of the lever arm may be regulated by adjustablestops such that the frame members may be variably limited with respectto extension or flexion movement as desired.

The brace may also be provided with support members extending betweenportions of the frame members to secure the frame members in place withrespect to the leg of the user. In the rehabilitation embodiment of thepresent invention wherein a narrower cuff is utilized, the supportmembers are formed as molded plastic members shaped to generally conformwith front portions of the user's leg.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the presently preferred embodiment ofthe invention depicted in a post surgical configuration, fitted to theleg of a user;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the invention illustrated at FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the invention illustrated at FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the framemembers, shown disconnected;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the turret for joiningportions of the frame members;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the turret shown in FIG. 1, takenalong line 6--6;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the hinge connected toportions of the frame members;

FIGS. 8 and 9 are perspective views of the hinge illustrated at FIG. 7,partially disassembled to illustrate movement of the hinge;

FIGS. 10, 11 and 12 are enlarged side views of the hinge shown at FIG.7, partially disassembled to further illustrate movement of the hinge;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of theinvention depicted in a rehabilitation configuration incorporating adifferent cuff and support strap arrangement;

FIG. 14 is a front view of the embodiment illustrated at FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a side view of the embodiment illustrated at FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is a top view of the support cuff and strap shown at FIGS.13-15;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an additional embodiment of the turretfor joining portions of the frame members;

FIG. 18 is a perspective exploded view of the additional embodiment ofthe turret of the present invention; and

FIG. 19 is a crossectional view illustrating the assembly of theadditional embodiment of the turret with the portions of the framemembers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMOBIDMENT

The description set forth below in connection with the appended drawingsis intended merely as a description of the presently preferredembodiment of the invention, and is not intended to represent the onlyform in which the present invention may be utilized. The descriptionsets forth the functions and structural elements of the invention inconnection with the illustrated embodiment. It is to be understood,however, that the same, or equivalent functions and advantages of theinvention may be accomplished by different embodiments that are alsointended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates the presently preferred embodiment of the invention11 depicted in its post-surgical configuration as worn on the leg of theuser. In such a post-surgical application it is desired that the braceprovides maximum reliable support to the joint and limit flexion andextension of the knee joint to enable rapid healing of the knee jointand leg muscles typically effected during reconstructive knee surgery.The embodiment set forth at FIG. 1 is intended to support the knee jointand is secured to the user's leg about the thigh and calf. It isanticipated, however, that in its broader aspects the invention may beutilized to support other joint members in the same or similar manner tothat illustrated in connection with the presently preferred embodiment.Accordingly, it is to be understood that the particular shapearrangement and interconnection of the parts set forth in connectionwith the appended figures may be modified consistent with the particularjoint to be supported, without departing from the broader aspects of theinvention.

As illustrated at FIG. 1, the invention 11 comprises generally U-shapedframe members 15 and 17 disposed in opposing orientation about the kneeof the user, and connected at hinges. The frame members 15 and 17 eachcomprise two, substantially J-shaped portions as described more fullybelow. The frame members 15 and 17 are connected to semi-rigid cuffs 23and 25 by connecting turrets i.e. rotating attachments or clampingmembers 27 and 29, respectively. Turrets 27 and 29 are formed tofacilitate lateral rotation of the U-shaped frame members about thecuffs, as described more fully below. Adjustment mount straps 31 and 33extend across the width of frame members 15 and 17, respectively, andreleasably engage straps 32 and 34 respectively which secure the framein place with respect to the leg of the user. Straps 35 and 37 furthersecure cuffs 23 and 24, respectively, in place and extend about the legof the user. Preferably the straps 32, 34, 35 and 37 are adjustable inlength to properly secure the brace device to the leg of a user andinclude quick connect and disconnect end fasteners which enable thebrace to be rapidly attached to and removed from the leg of a user.Further, the straps 32, 34, 35 and 37 are removably attached to thestrap mounts 31 and 33 and cuffs 23 and 25 so as to accomodatereplacement of the cuffs 23 and 25 with substitute cuffs utilized inrehabilitation applications as will be described in more detail below.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the invention 11 set forth at FIG. 1,with cuff straps 32, 34, 35 and 37 detached. FIG. 3 is a side view ofthe invention illustrated at FIG. 2. As shown at FIGS. 2 and 3 the framemembers 15 and 17 are formed to curve laterally and medially toaccommodate the leg shape of the user. The frame members 15 and 17extend upward and flare forward to conform to the bone and musclestructure of the user's leg. The width of the frame members isadjustable, as described below, to conform to the tuberosity of theuser's leg and to vary the angular orientation of the frame members withrespect to the hinges 19 and 21. Such variability allows a single braceto be used to support joints where the size and curvature of the jointmembers may vary.

The U-shaped members 15 and 17 are formed of a plurality of variablyconnected portions so as to permit adjustability of the dimensions andorientation of the frame members. Frame member 15 is formed to includeframe portions 39 and 41, joined at turret 27. U-shaped frame member 17includes portions 43 and 45, joined at turret 29. Though theconfiguration of each of the portions 39, 41, 43 and 45 generally variessomewhat between portions in the presently preferred embodiment, each ofthe portions 39, 41, 43 and 45 is formed as a generally J-shaped memberhaving a vertical portion, e.g. vertical portions 40, 42, extending fromthe hinge 21, curving to form a generally horizontal portion, e.g.horizontal portions 44, 46, extending to or beyond the turrets 27 or 29.The overlap of the substantially J-shaped portions 39 and 41, and 43 and45 may be varied so as to adjust the width of the frame member and theorientation of at least one of the vertical portions with respect to thehinges 19 and 21. Strap mounts 31 and 33 extend across the width ofU-shaped members 15 and 17, respectively and abut against and connect toportions of cuffs 23 and 25, respectively. The straps 32 and 34 maytherefore urge cuffs 23 and 25 to remain in place against the frontsurface of the leg of the user.

FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 illustrate the means for connecting the substantiallyJ-shaped members to form the U-shaped frame member. As shown at FIG. 4portions 39 and 41 of frame member 15 may be separated from each otherand from turret 27. One or both of the J-shaped members, such as member39, is provided with a partially ridged or grooved surface 47 that ismateable to the ridged or grooved surface 49 formed on the front and/orrear portions 51 and 53 respectively of turret 27. Portion 39 mayfurther be provided with a dove tail recess 55 formed on the backsurface of member 39. The recess 55 is sized to receive a complimentaryshaped elongate member 57 formed on the front surface of member 41.Member 57 slidably engages recess 55 so as to vary the width of U-shapedframe member 15 and the orientation of the vertical portions 40, 42 withrespect to the hinges. When members 35 and 41 are engaged to the desiredlength along recess 55 and member 57, the turret 27 is secured togetherto hold members 39 and 41 in place in that orientation, and to the cuff23.

As shown at FIG. 5 turret 27 includes front portion 51 and back portion53. As previously indicated grooved surfaces 49 are formed on theportions 51 and 53 to engage surfaces 47 formed on members 39 and 41.Apertures 61, 63, 65, 67, 69 and 71 are formed to receive fasteners suchas screws 73 and 75 to secure J-shaped portions 39 and 41 firmly inplace with respect to each other and with respect to the turret frontand back portions 51 and 53.

As shown at FIGS. 5 and 6 turret 27 is provided with collar 77 having anaperture 79 formed therein. Collar 77 is formed to fit within aperture81 formed in the cuff 23. Fastener 83 is formed to extend throughaperture 81 and engage turret 27 within aperture 79. Fastener 83, cuff23 and turret 27 cooperate to permit lateral rotation of the turret 27with respect to the cuff 23 about the axis of fastener 83.

It is to be understood that an alternate turret constructions, includingother means of varying the width and orientation of the frame member 15,may be implemented without departing from the broader aspects of theinvention. Similarly, it is anticipated that alternate means ofrotatably securing the frame member to the support cuff may also beimplemented other than that specifically set forth herein.

As shown, the frame members 15 and 17 are pivotally attached to oneanother by way of a pair of hinge elements 21 which are formed havingidentical structure and operation. In the preferred embodiment,regulation of the relative movement of the frame members 15 and 17permits one joint member to initially rotate about the joint morerapidly than the other joint member, and thereby simulates unlocking andlocking of the knee joint. Each hinge 21 is constructed such that onejoint member, i.e. the femur, can rotate relatively freely about a pivotwhile the rotation of the second joint member, i.e. the tibia, isadjusted and the joint is "unlocked". After rotation of first jointmember beyond a certain point the second joint member may then rotatemore freely, i.e. as freely as the first joint member. Such regulationof the relative movement of the frame members simulates the normal boneand muscle movements of the knee joint to provide support and resistanceconsistent with the natural movement of the joint members.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are perspective views of the hinge 21, partiallydisassembled, to illustrate the movement of the connecting members 87and 89, which are connectable to the frame members 15 and 17,respectively. As shown therein hinge 21 comprises a base plate 85,connecting members 87 and 89, linking member 97, stopping lever 103 andstopping lever guide member 91. As shown at FIG. 9, connecting member 87rotates about pivot 93. Connecting member 89 rotates about pivot 95.Stop lever 103 is secured to connecting member 87 at pivot 105 andextends through stop lever receiving port 110. The stop lever 103 movesalong cam surface 111 formed in base plate 85 so as to urge a portion ofthe stop lever 103 into the stop lever receiving port 109. As describedmore fully below in connection with FIGS. 10, 11 and 12 stop leveradjusting screws 107 and 109 engage the stop lever guide member 91 avariable distance to regulate the extent of rotation of connection arms87 and 89, i.e. flexion and extension of the joint members.

FIGS. 7-12 illustrate the structure and operation of the hinges 19 and21 disclosed more generally at FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. As described more fullybelow hinge 21 is connectable to frame members 15 and 17 to facilitaterotation of the frame members about the hinge 21. The hinge is furtherconstructed to regulate movement of the frame members to limit extensionand flexion of the joint for either post-surgical or gradualrehabilitation of the knee and to simulate locking and unlocking of thejoint members. Regulation with respect to the extent of movement permitsthe invention to be utilized by patients during various stages ofrehabilitation. For example, the hinge may be configured to providelimited rotational movement of the femur and tibia about the knee jointfor post-surgical applications, thereby limiting extension and flexionof the knee joint. The hinge may later be adjusted to permit greatermovement for rehabilitation applications as the injury heals, althoughin all instances hyperextension and hyperflexion of the joint iseliminated.

The connecting members 87 and 89 are themselves connected together by arigid linking member 97 secured to and extending between pivot 99 andpivot 101. The location of pivots 99 and 101 with respect to pivots 93and 95 is such that rotational movement of connecting member 87 aboutpivot 93 initially causes little rotation of connecting member 89 aboutpivot 95. However, as connecting member 87 continues to rotate aboutpivot 93 the linking member 97 causes greater relative rotation ofconnecting member 89 about pivot 95. The change in relative rotation ofconnecting members 87 and 89 may be mechanically explained in thatinitial movement of connecting member 87 is largely translated torotation of linking arm 97 about pivot 101. However, as connectingmember 87 continues to rotate about pivot 93 less of the movement oflinking member 97 is accommodated by rotation about pivot 101 andtherefore connecting member 89 is urged to rotate about pivot 95 atsubstantially the same rotational rate that connecting member 87 rotatesabout pivot 93.

It is to be understood that by adjusting the construction of the linkingmember 97, the connections between the linking member 97 and connectingmembers 87, 89, and the location of the linking member pivots, 99, 101with respect to the connecting member pivots 93, 95, a variety ofdifferent motion patterns may be implemented to simulate the motion ofdifferent joints. Consequently different embodiments of the inventionmay be implemented to simulate the movement of joints other than thatset forth in connection with the illustrated embodiments.

FIGS. 10, 11 and 12 are side views of the hinge 21 illustrating themanner in which the rotational movement of the connecting members 87 and89 may be regulated to limit flexion and extension of the joint. Asdescribed above stop lever 103 is pivotally connected to connectingmember 87 at pivot 105 and extends into stop lever guide member 91.Portion 113 of stop lever 103 extends into the guide member 91 and movesalong the length of the guide member 91 in response to rotation ofconnecting member 87. Protrusion 115 limits the extent that the stoplever extends into guide member 91 and facilitates translation ofportion 113 within the guide member 91.

As illustrated at FIGS. 10, 11 and 12 the translation of portion 113within guide member 91 is regulated by the extension of stop leveradjusting screws 107 and 109. As screw 107 is further adjusted intoguide member 91 the extension of the joint members is limited by acorresponding amount. As stop lever adjusting screw 109 is furtheradjusted into guide member 91 the flexation of the joint members aboutthe joint is further limited. As will be apparent to those skilled inthe art, a proper adjustment of stop lever adjustment screws 107 and 109will allow the invention to be utilized to facilitate rehabilitation ofinjuries over periods of time. As the joint rehabilitates the safelevels of extension and flexation may be increased.

With the structure defined, the operation of the present invention andits advantages in its post-surgical configuration may be described. Inthe post-surgical configuration, an orthopedic medical practitioner mayposition the composite brace 11 upon upon the leg of a user followingknee surgery, with the straps 32, 34, 35 and 37 being manually adjustedto retain the brace tightly upon the leg of a user at a desiredlocation. The threaded fasteners 73 and 75 of the turrets 27 and 29 maythen be loosened to allow the practitioner to adjust the width, i.e.lateral spacing between the upper and lower frame members 15 and 17 toobtain proper positioning of the hinges 21 relative to the knee jointand compensate for any bowleggedness or knock-knee conditions of theuser. As will be recognized, any variation in the plane of the upper andlower portions of the joint is accomodated by pivoting or swivelmovement of the turrets about their central access or pin 83 relativethe cuffs 23 and 25. Subsequently the fasteners 73 and 75 may bemanually tightened causing the turrets 27 and 29 to rigidly lock theadjusted orientation of the frame members relative the cuffs and leg ofa user. Subsequently, the screws 107 and 109 of each hinge 21 may beadjusted to limit the extension and flexure of the knee joint to withindesired ranges to thereby eliminate any hyperextension or hyperflexionof the joint during post-surgical use. The straps 32, 34, 35 and 37 maythen be readjusted in length to properly maintain the composite braceupon the user's leg. As such, it will be recognized by use of thevarious adjustment mechanisms of the present invention, a standardizedconstruction of the knee brace permits adjustment after manufacture toaccomodate the particular physical parameters of the individual. Oncethe brace is positioned upon the knee, the use of quick disconnect andconnect fastener ends on the strap members 32, 34, 35 and 37 allow thecomposite brace to be rapidly attached to and removed from the leg ofuser without any additional adjustment.

It is an important feature of the present invention that the bracedevice is specifically designed to permit its use in both post surgicalas well as rehabilitation applications. The modification of thestructure of the present invention for such a rehabilitation applicationis depicted in FIGS. 13-16. As will be recognized, in rehabilitationtherapy applications it is desired that the weight of the compositebrace device be maintained at a minimum to permit comfort during use, aswell as permit the joint to be flexed and extended through a greaterdistance to rebuild the muscle structure weakened through previoussurgery or injury to the user.

Referring to FIGS. 13, 14 and 15, the detailed construction of the kneebrace of the present invention depicting its modification to arehabilitation structure is shown. As will be recognized, in thisrehabilitation embodiment the structure is identical to that shown inrelation to the post-surgical environment previously described. However,the semi-rigid cuffs 23 and 25 are replaced with smaller, lighter,flexible pads or cuff pads 117 and 119 which are connected to arespective turret 27 and 29 in a manner previously described. Inaddition, the strap mounts 31 and 33 do not attach to the cuffs 117 and119 but rather, mount a generally V-shaped saddle member 121. Asillustrated in FIG. 16, the saddle member 121 may be implemented as asemi-rigid member sized to generally conform to the tubrosity of the legof a user. The compression force applied through the strap members 32and 34 to the saddles 121 serve to distribute the pressure caused by thestrap across the surface of the leg and avoid irritation associated withthe use of elastic materials that expand and contract along the surfaceof a leg.

As will be recognized, the modification of the present invention fromthe post-surgical structure to its rehabilitation structure can beeasily accomodated merely by removal of the central pin or access 83 ofeach of the turrets 27 and 29 and removal of the semi-rigid cuff members23 and 25 therefrom and the substitution and mounting of the flexiblecuff pads 117 and 119 thereto. Similarly, the straps 32, 34, 35 and 37may be removed from the post-surgical cuffs 23 and 25 and attached tothe pads 117 and 119 in an analogous manner. Subsequently, the entirebrace structure may be rapidly mounted upon the leg of the user toprovide significant support to the user's knee joint yet permit moreunrestricted use of the muscles associated with the knee joint. Further,the adjustable screw stops of the hinge may be adjusted to allow greaterextension and flexion of the joint necessary for rehabilitationpurposes.

Referring to FIGS. 17 through 19, an additional embodiment of theturrets 27a, 29a is depicted which may be used in both the post-surgicaland rehabilitation configurations of the present invention. In thisadditional embodiment , the turrets 27a, 27b are formed in a generallyU-shaped configuration defining a central opening 150 which includespartially ribbed or grooved surfaces 49a adjacent one end thereof. Aswill be recognized, the grooved surfaces 49a are engageable with thecomplimentary shaped grooved surfaces 47 formed on the frame portions 39and 41 in a manner analogous to that previously described. A spring clip152 is pivotally mounted to the turret 27a, 29a adjacent the lower endof the opening 150 which may be articulated from its open phantom lineposition to its closed full-line position shown in FIG. 17. The distalend of the clip 152 is provided with a V-shaped catch portion 154 whichis received in a complimentary formed recess 156 formed on the exteriorof the turret 27a, 29a. As will be recognized in its closed position,the spring clip 152 maintains a constant biasing force across oppositeleg portions of the turret 27a, 29a to securely lock the frame members39 and 41 in a desired position within the turret 27a, 29a. The turret27a, 29a includes a threaded aperture 158 preferably formed as an insertat its rear surface which engages a threaded fastener 160 having a cupwasher 162 to removably mount the turret 27a, 29a to the cuff 23. Aswill be recognized, with this additional embodiment of the turret 27a,29a, the manipulation and mounting of the frame member portions 39 and41 in a desired orientation may be facilitated rapidly and easilywithout the use of auxiliary tools.

As described above, the foregoing description represents only thepresently preferred embodiments of the invention. Various modifications,additions and substitutions may be made to the invention withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the invention. Accordingly, theabove description is not intended to exclude other equivalentconstructions that incorporate the broader aspects of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A knee brace comprising:a pair of generallyU-shaped frame members positioned in an inverted relative orientationabove and below the knee joint of a user with the end portions of saidframe members disposed laterally on opposide sides of the knee joint andthe central portion of said frame members disposed adjacent the front ofthe user's leg; a pair of hinge members disposed substantially adjacentthe knee joint and connected to the end portions of said frame membersto pivot said frame members about the knee joint; a pair of cuffsremovably attachable to the front of the user's leg above and below theknee joint; and a clamping member rotatably mounted to each of said pairof cuffs and engageable with the central portion of a respective one ofsaid frame members to affix and permit rotational movement of each ofsaid frame members about an axis generally perpendicular to the front ofthe user's leg, said rotational movement allowing said knee brace toaccomodate bowlegged and knock-kneed conditions of the user.
 2. The kneebrace as recited in claim 1 wherein the pair of hinge members includemeans for regulating the relative movement of the frame members.
 3. Theknee brace as recited in claim 2 wherein said regulation means comprisesmeans for pivoting one of said pair of frame members about the jointmore rapidly than the other one of said pair of frame members.
 4. Theknee brace as recited in claim 1 wherein said pair of hinge membersinclude means for limiting the rotation of movement of at least one ofsaid pair of frame members.
 5. The knee brace as recited in claim 1wherein said pair of hinge members include means for regulating theextension and flexion of the frame members and means for regulating therelative movement of the frame members.
 6. The knee brace of claim 1wherein at least one of said pair of frame members is formed of a pairof frame segments engageable with one another to vary the effectivewidth of said at least one of said frame members.
 7. The knee brace ofclaim 6 wherein said pair of cuffs each comprise a semirigid plasticmember contoured to conform to the front of a user's leg.
 8. The kneebrace of claim 7 wherein said pair of cuffs comprise a first pair ofcuffs and a second pair of cuffs removably mountable to said clampingmember, said first pair of cuffs having a longer length than said secondpair of cuffs; said first pair of cuffs being mounted to said clampingmember when said knee brace is utilized for post-surgical recovery ofthe knee joint and said second pair of cuffs being mounted to saidclamping member when said knee brace is utilized for rehabilitation ofthe knee joint.
 9. The knee brace of claim 6 wherein said pair of framesegments are formed to be slidably engageable with one another to varythe effective width of said at least one of said frame members.
 10. Theknee brace of claim 9 wherein said clamping member includes means forlocking said pair of frame segments in a selected slidably engagedorientation.
 11. A knee brace comprising:a pair of generally U-shapedframe members positioned in an inverted relative orientation above andbelow the knee joint of a user with the end portions of said framemember disposed laterally on opposite sides of the knee joint and thecentral portion of said frame members disposed adjacent the front of auser's leg; a pair of hinge members connected to the end portions ofsaid frame members to pivot said frame members about the knee joint; apair of cuffs having means for attaching said pair of cuffs to the frontof the user's leg above and below the knee joint; and a clamping memberrotatably mounted to each of said pair of cuffs and engageable with thecentral portion of a respective one of said frame members to permitrotational movement of each of said frame members about an axisgenerally perpendicular to the front of a user's leg; each of said pairof frame members being formed from a pair of frame segments engageablewith one another to vary the effective width of said frame members andsaid rotational movement of said frame members allowing said knee braceto accomodate bowlegged and knock-kneed conditions of the user.